Amman, Sept. 10 (Petra) -- The Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) launched on Thursday a nationwide field survey to verify that local food businesses meet gluten-free safety regulations.

Inspection teams have audited 61 establishments so far, including bakeries, restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores, according to JFDA Director General Rana Obeidat. The sweeps evaluated licensing status and laboratory test results.

While most licensed venues met official standards, inspectors identified four non-compliant establishments and suspended their production lines until corrective measures are taken.

Businesses cannot legally manufacture, prepare, sell, or advertise any item as "gluten-free" without prior official authorization. Regulators stated that maintaining gluten-free integrity requires strict prevention of cross-contamination throughout the entire supply chain, including raw materials, food surfaces, equipment, and staff handling.

The JFDA urged Jordanians to check for valid permits before buying gluten-free items, noting that businesses must prominently display their official certification.

Consumers can report violations 24/7 via the hotline at 117114 or WhatsApp at 0795632000.

//Petra// HA